Is Brainerd or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brainerd is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 45% lower. Brainerd has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brainerd has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 180.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brainerd — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brainerd, MN
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brainerd | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,210.1 | 4,012.2 | -1,802.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 431.1 | 539.9 | -108.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 68.4 | 58.8 | +9.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.1 | 335.3 | -294.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 321.6 | 128.3 | +193.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,779.0 | 3,472.4 | -1,693.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.7 | 294.8 | -110.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,546.4 | 2,318.8 | -772.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 858.9 | -811.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brainerd or Chicago safer?
Brainerd is safer with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brainerd has a violent crime rate of 431.1 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Brainerd has lower violent crime.
About Brainerd, MN
Brainerd, a city in Crow Wing County, is known for its Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. Situated in north-central Minnesota, it's a regional hub for the Brainerd Lakes Area, attracting seasonal visitors. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 14,615, Brainerd has a total crime rate of 2,210.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.